The Kitano family, who owns the Michelin-starred Kiichi restaurant in Japan, faced a major setback when nearly 80 diners reported cases of food poisoning and norovirus in February. Hirokazu Kitano, 69, his wife Noriko, 68, and their son Hirotoshi, 41, were arrested for allegedly violating the Food Sanitation Act, which mandates strict hygiene and safety standards in the food industry.
The trouble began in early February when 33 customers fell ill after dining at Kiichi, leading to the restaurant being temporarily shut down. Despite the suspension, the family allegedly continued to operate in secret, serving contaminated meals to unsuspecting customers. In total, 80 diners reported symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting, with norovirus being detected in the restaurant’s food on multiple occasions.
As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that Kiichi had neglected proper hygiene protocols, leading to the spread of foodborne illnesses. The restaurant’s suspension was extended through March as authorities delved deeper into the case. Kiichi admitted fault in not enforcing stringent hygiene practices among its staff, leading to the unfortunate outbreak.
Kiichi, once a proud recipient of a Michelin star in the Kansai region, saw its reputation tarnished by the food poisoning scandal. The family expressed deep regret over the incidents and pledged to enhance their hygiene management system to prevent future occurrences.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on the other side of the world, a Brazilian family fell victim to a heinous crime when a relative intentionally poisoned them by tampering with a cake she baked. The tragic event, which resulted in three deaths, occurred shortly after the woman’s husband passed away from food poisoning.
These shocking incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to food safety regulations and the devastating consequences of negligence in the food industry. As authorities continue to investigate the Kiichi case and seek justice for the victims, it is crucial for restaurants and food establishments to prioritize hygiene and safety to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
